Adventure 16: Outdoor and Travel Outfitters - Since 1963

< Back to Search Results

Idaho Rafting: The River of No Return

Whitewater Rafting in Idaho with Holiday River Expeditions

Highlights

  • Translucent emerald water
  • Big, White sandy beaches
  • Side streams, hot springs & fishing
  • Great trip for all; groups, families, couples, singles and charters.
  • World Class Whitewater

Full Description

There is a green hole in the middle of Idaho. A spot refreshingly empty on your highway map. A place where pavement never was...and wild rivers still are...raw country, 20,000 square miles of it, and right through the middle runs the Salmon River- The River of No Return.

Cutting the second deepest canyon in North America, the Salmon River is a clear mountain river with pine forests and white sandy beaches. The canyon abounds in deserted homesteads and, of special interest to river travelers, natural hot springs: aah...feels good. One crowd appreciates this roadless country even more than us. Deer, bighorn sheep, moose, birds of prey, elk, bear and the frolicking river otter call this refuge home.

Translucent emerald water, responding to the drop and irregularities of the river bottom, form over forty rapids. That means you have first class whitewater on each day of the trip. Around July the hands-on types can request inflatable kayaks and meet the Salmon River whitewater on their own terms.

In a state that's second only to Alaska in designated wilderness areas, getting from point "A" to point "B" can take some doing. That's why we have included a scenic charter flight from Boise to Salmon, Idaho as one of our meeting options - gateway to our river put-in. Ninety-two life-changing river miles later we will return you to civilization in Boise.

Includes:

  • Flight from Boise, Idaho to Salmon, Idaho, and ground transportation back to Boise
  • Full course meals starting with lunch the first day and ending with lunch the last day
  • Water, Lemonade, juice, sodas. Some snacks
  • Transportation to and from the river from our meeting point
  • Expert Guides
  • Necessary river equipment like waterproof bags, life jackets, etc

Excludes:

  • Lodging the night before the trip
  • Camping gear. ie. Sleeping bag & Tent. Rental kits available

Day by Day Itinerary

Day 1

Meet group at the SpringHill Suites in Boise, Idaho. Fly into Salmon, Idaho where we will pick up those who opted to meet in Salmon or North Fork. We transfer to a bus and enjoy a scenic 2-hour drive to Corn Creek, our launch site. We stop at the Northfork store en route to the river to pick up any last minute supplies such as fishing licenses, lures, beer and wine. The first day on the river we run Gunbarrel, Ranier and Devil's Teeth rapids.

Day 2

We may enjoy a short hike up Chamberlain Creek. After the exhilarating rapids of Salmon Falls, we stop and soak our bodies in Barth Hot Springs, a natural hot spring which flows into the Salmon River.

Day 3

This day is our most exciting rapid day. We run classic Salmon River whitewater: Bailey Falls, Split Rock, Big Mallard and Elk Horn to name a few. A stop at Jim Moore's place is usually included on this day. Jim Moore came to the Salmon River from Kentucky around the turn of the century and lived a colorful life until 1942. The log buildings he constructed were recently nominated to the National Register of Historic Places.

Day 4

After a visit to Buckskin Bill's homestead (Buckskin was the last of the Mountain Men) we will run Jackson and Ludwig rapids. Later we float past the confluence with the South Fork of the Salmon River.

Day 5

We'll run Vinegar & Chittam Creek rapids before taking out at the end of the trip. There is a 4 1/2 hour bus ride back to Boise, Idaho, and lunch will be eaten en route. Vehicles that were shuttled will be waiting at Spring Bar, our lunch spot.

About The Operator:

Holiday River Expeditions

Headquarters:

Salt Lake City, Utah

For 44 years, Holiday Expeditions has provided trips to the West's most spectacular places. We specialize in Colorado River Rafting, Green River Rafting and Salmon River trips. These spectacular river canyons encompass several different stretches of rivers throughout Utah, Colorado and Idaho. Our Colorado whitewater rafting trips run through the grand canyons of every major Colorado River tributary and offer spectacular scenery and landscapes unlike anything you'll find anywhere else in the world. Our most popular Colorado River plateau river trips like Westwater Canyon, Lodore Canyon and Cataract Canyon provide exciting rapids and pristine wilderness in two, four and six day adventures. Seventy percent of our guests are repeat or referred to us by guests who've enjoyed Holiday's impeccable service. Family Rafting vacations, Mountain Biking trips, Ranch trips, Women’s River and Yoga Retreats and an Extended Raft/Hike trip in Canyonlands National Park round out our special offerings